Drums

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Synth 1

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Synth 2

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Same synth loop with a different Protoverb setting. First dry, then Protoverb activated.

Protoverb main interface

Protoverb text input option

Feel it in the air

What is Protoverb?

Protoverb is an experimental room simulator reverb. Most algorithmic reverbs try to avoid resonances or model the reflections of sound from a room’s walls. Protoverb does the opposite. It builds up as many room resonances as possible, modelling the body of air in the room. No need to modulate or colour the signal. The result is a very natural sounding reverberation with interesting characteristics:

Notes held for a longer time tend to build up resonance, as if the air takes a while to get excited

Multiple instruments remain distinct, without disappearing in a wash

When you play a short melody, the room seems to repeat a ghost echo of that melody

These properties are found in churches and large halls, but are rarely in conventional algorithmic reverbs.

To achieve this, Protoverb works with many parallel, serial and networked delays. With such a structure, no mathematical formula can make it sound right, it is down to trial and error (and luck) using random values. Protoverb generates random delay line lengths, networks and feedback strategies. If you are lucky you will find a great setting, which you can send to us.

Random

The text box at the bottom of Protoverb’s interface contains a text string made up of two random parts. The first half dictates the network structure, strategies for spatial layout and distribution of delay taps, strategies for finding useful delay lengths and so on. The second half is a seed for a pseudo-random number generator—used to set various parameters such as the average delay length, which prime number to choose (if any) etcetera.

You can either edit the text, or randomise each part independently using the buttons below the text box.

Random strings in Protoverb

Free

We call Protoverb researchware, because it is free and an attempt at data mining. Instead of spending months researching and testing ourselves, we hope that our community will come up with great settings. We encourage people to share their settings and thoughts with us and each other.

This product is a free download and does not require a serial number to unlock it.

Linux beta note: Before downloading, please be aware the Linux versions of our plug-ins are still considered beta. While the plug-ins are stable, we are not able to provide the same level of support for these products as we do for the macOS and Windows versions. Support is provided via the Linux and u-he communities on our forum. CLOSE

Requirements

Mac OS X 10.5 or newer or Windows XP/Vista or newer or Linux

1GBRAM, more recommended

50MB free disk space

1000 × 600 or larger display

Modern CPU (Sandy Bridge or newer recommended)

Host software

Formats

Protoverb is not a standalone product, it requires host software. Protoverb is compatible with nearly all DAWs.